Are You Ready for the First of June?

Only one out of five Americans has taken steps to protect their home from a natural disaster. Are you the one out of five who have, or among the four out of five who haven’t?If you don’t take measures to protect your property, the consequences can be damage, injury or worse. Sure, the damage might be covered by insurance. But, then, it might not. Consider this:

• Flood and rising water from natural disasters are not covered by homeowners insurance
• You’ll still be on the hook for the deductible for a covered loss
• The damage could exceed the limits of your policy

 
June 1 marks the official beginning of the hurricane season, so now is the best time to prep and prepare. Here’s some advice from the experts:

• Clean and secure. Clear rain gutters and downspouts of debris, and make sure they’re securely attached to your home.
• Bring in the reinforcements. Ensure your roof, windows and doors–including garage doors–are secure and reinforced to reduce property damage. Permanent storm shutters are the best protection for your windows against strong winds. Or cover them with 5/8″ or better plywood.
• Trim and slim. Shave the shrubs, and remove damaged trees and limbs from around your house to prevent winds from knocking them onto your roof.
• Clear the decks. Remove all loose items from your property, such as patio furniture, planters and garbage cans, and anchor objects that would be unsafe to bring inside, such as propane tanks.
• Have a plan. Knowing what you’ll do in a major storm will help reduce anxiety if one hits your area.
• Are you covered? Do you know how much coverage you have for additional living expenses if you need to evacuate? Do you have replacement cost coverage for your belongings?

 
Contact Turner Wood & Smith Insurance to see if you have all the insurance coverage you need.

Sources: Insurance Information Institute; Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety

All statements are subject to the terms, exclusions and conditions of the applicable policy. In all instances current policy contract language prevails. Products, services and discounts referenced herein are not available in all states or in all underwriting companies. Coverage is subject to individual policyholders meeting our underwriting qualifications and state availability.